The 56-year-old McLay began his career in law enforcement as a patrolman with the Indiana University Police Department in 1979. Starting in 1984, he worked as a patrol officer with the police department in Madison, Wisconsin, for five years, and then became a full-time training officer.

He is a use of force expert, served on Madison’s SWAT team for 24 years and was also a captain with the Madison Police Department, city officials said.

In the press release, Mayor Peduto said, “Cam McLay is exactly what Pittsburgh Police need in a leader — a person of integrity who believes in collaborating with city residents to reduce crime, and in building trust and sound judgement among his fellow officers.”

McLay also has a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Studies from Indiana University in Bloomington and a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership from the Colorado State University Global Campus.

McLay has local ties, too

His mother and grandparents are from the Squirrel Hill and Wilkinsburg areas. He also lived in Mount Lebanon for three years when he was a child.

He is married with three adult children.

Mayor Peduto said last week there were 11 finalists, four of whom currently work with the bureau.

Before McLay’s hiring, city officials say they held two months of community meetings to gather input during the search. Those included were all six police zones, Mayor Peduto and officers with the Fraternal Order of Police.

Acting Police Chief Regina McDonald has been leading the Pittsburgh Police Bureau since February of 2013 when former police chief Nate Harper was asked to resign amid a federal investigation.

Harper is now in federal prison on charges he failed to file income tax returns and diverted checks for his personal use.

McLay will begin work at the Pittsburgh Police Bureau on Sept. 15.

Stay with KDKA for Andy Sheehan’s full report on this developing story.